Home & Comfort

Piggy banks & money jars

2 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of piggy banks & money jars — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

A savings bank is usually a gift for a child learning what money is, though adults buy them too, for a vacation fund or a jar of loose change on the dresser. What gets used is something a child can see filling up or can easily keep track of. A digital coin bank that counts each deposit makes saving feel like a game. A plain coin jar lets the pile of coins do the teaching. As a gift, think about the child's age and whether they'll ever need to take money out. Then decide whether it should be a toy, a shelf piece, or a keepsake that stays around for years.

Kind 1 of 2

Banks that count every coin

A digital coin bank reads each coin as it drops in and shows a running total on a small screen. It suits school-age kids who are learning to add up money, and adults saving toward a set amount. Before buying, check that it reads the coins you actually use, since some are built only for Canadian or only for US coins. Also check what kind of batteries it takes, whether the total can be reset or corrected, and how easily coins come out when it's time to spend or bank them.

  • Representative photo-style image of electronic coin counting jar — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Electronic coin counting jar

    A practical gift for those who want to track their savings effortlessly, displaying the total value of deposited coins.

Kind 2 of 2

Classic jars, boxes and piggy banks

This is the broad, simple group: clear jars and boxes, ceramic pigs, tin boxes, character banks and engraved keepsakes. A clear jar or box suits young children who like watching the pile grow. Ceramic and engraved versions work better as a christening, birthday or first-Christmas keepsake. Before buying, check how money comes out. A breakable bank has no opening, some have a rubber stopper and others have a locking door. Look at the size of the slot too, since some won't fit rolled-up bills. Heavier ceramic pieces belong on a shelf, not in a toy box.

  • Representative photo-style image of clear acrylic savings box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Clear acrylic savings box

    This transparent container allows savers to visually track their progress towards a specific goal, offering motivation as funds accumulate.

  • Representative photo-style image of breakable ceramic savings bank — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Breakable ceramic savings bank

    This unique bank encourages long-term saving by requiring a ceremonial break to access the accumulated funds, making withdrawals a significant event.

  • Representative photo-style image of traditional ceramic piggy bank — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Traditional ceramic piggy bank

    This timeless saving vessel encourages children and adults to start their financial journey with a familiar, charming design.

  • Representative photo-style image of whimsical character savings bank — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Whimsical character savings bank

    Perfect for children or collectors, these banks feature beloved characters or playful shapes that make saving fun and engaging.

  • Representative photo-style image of vintage-style tin savings box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Vintage-style tin savings box

    Evoking a sense of nostalgia, this durable and charming money box is ideal for those who appreciate classic designs and a touch of retro flair.

  • Representative photo-style image of stylish decorative money box — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Stylish decorative money box

    An elegant addition to any home decor, this money box serves as both a functional savings tool and a sophisticated accent piece.

  • Representative photo-style image of customizable engravable savings bank — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

    Customizable engravable savings bank

    A thoughtful and lasting gift, this bank can be personalized with names, dates, or messages, creating a cherished keepsake for any occasion.

How to choose piggy banks & money jars as a gift

  • Match the bank to the child's age: see-through or counting banks for younger kids, sturdier or nicer-looking ones for older kids.
  • Check how money comes out, since a stopper, a door or a bank you have to break each suits a different saver.
  • Tuck a few coins or a small bill inside so the gift feels ready to use the moment it's opened.
  • For a keepsake, an engraved name or date gives it a reason to stay on the shelf long after childhood.
  • Pick something that fits the child's room so it stays out where they'll see it and remember to use it.

Usually safe to skip

  • Fragile ceramic banks for toddlers often end up chipped or broken long before they ever get full.
  • Novelty banks with tiny slots or awkward openings get frustrating quickly and usually end up in a drawer.
  • Counting banks built for another country's coins give wrong totals, and kids stop trusting the number.

Questions people ask about piggy banks & money jars

What age is a piggy bank a good gift for?
Most kids start to understand saving around four to six. Younger children enjoy a clear jar they can watch fill up. From about seven, a counting bank or a bank with a goal-tracking feature makes more sense because they can follow the numbers.
Do digital coin banks work with Canadian coins?
Some do and some don't. Many are set up for US coins only, so a Canadian child's loonies and toonies may not be read correctly. Check which currency the bank supports before buying, especially if the gift is crossing the border.
How do you get money out of a piggy bank without breaking it?
Most piggy banks have a rubber stopper or a small door on the bottom. Breakable banks are made to be smashed once they're full, which some families treat as a fun moment. If you'd rather reuse it, pick one with an opening.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All piggy banks & money jars picks

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